Administrative Financial Director

Ugajobsearch; Kentucky; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Georgia’s Fanning Institute seeks an Administrative Financial Director to lead financial, HR, and administrative operations. You will oversee budgets, internal controls, and reporting, while guiding senior leadership and coordinating with central offices for compliance and strategic execution.

The role emphasizes continuous process improvement, risk management, and effective cross‑functional collaboration within a dynamic university environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent plus 10 years of professional experience.
• Includes at least 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, HR processes, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provides guidance to the Institute Director and senior leadership on financial and administrative matters.
• Serves as liaison with central University offices (Legal, Finance, HR, Sponsored Projects).
• Reviews documents for accuracy, compliance, and timely submission to the Director.
• Prepares and analyzes financial and personnel information, forecasts and reports.
• Identifies risks and opportunities and recommends actions.
• Interprets university policies and provides guidance to leadership.

Skills

Budget management

Financial analysis

HR processes

ERP/PeopleSoft

Data reporting

Policy compliance

Process improvement

Communication

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

PeopleSoft

ERP systems

Job description

Administrative Financial Director

Position Information Classification Title Business Manager-Coll/Div FLSA Exempt FTE 1.00

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent plus 10 years of professional experience to include 3 years of supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

The Administrative Financial Director oversees the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development's (Fanning Institute) financial and human resources operations and provides guidance and support to the Director and senior leadership team. The position is responsible for budget planning and financial management, human resources processes, internal controls, compliance, and the effective administration of Institute resources. The position provides financial and administrative information, analysis, and recommendations to support informed decision-making. The Administrative Financial Director serves as a primary liaison with central University offices and provides guidance and support to faculty and staff on financial, human resources, and administrative matters. The position promotes professional, responsive, and consistent administrative practices that contribute to a positive and productive work environment. The position also continuously evaluates and improves processes, systems, and workflows to strengthen efficiency, service, and continuity of operations. This position supervises the Business Manager II.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Working knowledge of UGA and USG financial, administrative, and human resources policies and procedures, as well as accounting, budgeting, procurement, and administrative practices.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, financial analysis, forecasting, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Ability to lead and coordinate human resources processes across the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, employee development, performance management, workforce planning, and talent management, while supporting faculty and staff and fostering a professional, supportive, and productive workplace culture.
• Working knowledge of PeopleSoft or comparable ERP and financial/data management systems, with the ability to prepare accurate reports and learn new systems.
• Strong spreadsheet and data analysis skills, including the ability to analyze, summarize, and clearly present financial and narrative information.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to identify issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Ability to review and synthesize financial, contractual, personnel, and administrative information for accuracy, completeness, and compliance and provide clear recommendations to the Director.
• Ability to identify and implement continuous improvements to administrative processes, systems, and workflows, leveraging technology and evolving best practices to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, adapt to changing needs, and meet deadlines.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with faculty, staff, university departments, vendors, and other constituents.

Physical Demands

Typical for an office environment. Is driving a responsibility of this position? No Is this a Position of Trust? Yes Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? Yes Does this position require a P-Card? No Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications) Yes Credit and P-Card policy Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Responsibilities

Provides guidance and support to the Fanning Institute Director and senior leadership team.

• Serves as a member of the senior leadership team, providing guidance and support on financial, administrative, strategic, and operational matters and assisting with the implementation of the Institute’s strategic goals and priorities.
• Advises and supports the Director and senior leadership team on financial, human resources, personnel, policy, compliance, and other administrative matters and serves as the Institute’s primary liaison with central University offices, including the Office of Legal Affairs, Finance Division, Human Resources, Sponsored Projects Administration, Open Records, and other units as appropriate.
• Reviews financial, personnel, contractual, administrative, and other documents requiring the Director’s signature or approval for accuracy, completeness, appropriate review, and compliance. Resolves issues or obtains additional review as needed before submission to the Director.
• Prepares and analyzes financial and personnel information, forecasts, and reports to support planning, resource allocation, decision-making, and management oversight.
• Identifies financial and administrative risks, issues, and opportunities and recommends appropriate actions.
• Interprets University and PSO policies and requirements and provides practical guidance to leadership, faculty, and staff.

Financial Operations Responsibilities

Percentage of time 25

• Manages the Institute's annual budget and financial operations across multiple sources of funding.
• Manages annual budget planning, salary-setting, forecasting, MRR requests, and multi-year financial and resource planning as needed.
• Prepares and monitors financial forecasts and reports to identify trends, risks, and resource needs and support decision-making.
• Maintains appropriate internal controls and ensures responsible use of resources and compliance with applicable federal, state, University, and Foundation requirements.
• Oversees financial administration of sponsored projects, contracts and other agreements, departmental sales and service activities, procurement, and related transactions.
• Reviews sponsored projects, grants, contracts, and other agreements for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable requirements.
• Serves as the unit-level approver for all financial transactions.
• Reviews account reconciliations and oversees financial transaction processing to ensure accuracy, completeness, timely completion, and resolution of discrepancies.
• Provides financial and administrative guidance to faculty and staff and resolves issues as they arise.
• Continuously evaluates and improves financial and administrative processes, systems, and workflows to increase efficiency, strengthen controls, reduce administrative burden, and adapt to changing needs.
• Maintains documentation and appropriate cross-training for key financial and administrative processes to support continuity of operations.
• Supervises and supports the Business Manager II and ensures accurate, timely, and responsive financial and administrative services.

Human Resources Responsibilities

Percentage of time 45

• Manages human resources processes across the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, hiring